Happy New Year, Mr. Hanon! And to all teachers, students, adult learners, colleagues, and those who enjoy playful patterns, ceremonial chords, and an adventurous Auld Lang Syne—fueled by Mr. Hanon’s first pattern in “The Virtuoso Pianist.” Charles Louis Hanon (1819−1900) has helped develop the technique of thousands of pianists through his patterned exercises in “The Virtuoso […]
Once again we arrive at this special time of year. We send to you and your students our warmest holiday wishes! Let’s imagine we are all chatting around the table drinking hot cocoa: What kind of fun things do you and your students do this month? Do you have a favourite holiday song to teach? […]
To welcome in the season of thanks, we offer a well-decorated performance of “God Bless Us Everyone” from FunTime Piano Disney (Level 3A-3B). May your holidays be sweet, musical, and full of cheer. Thanksgiving wishes to everyone!
For this week’s musical treat, watch a pup turn pages at the piano for one of Disney’s favourite songs about a “freaky fashionista.” The costume is spots, the rhythm is swing, and the key is C—for candy, of course, and Cruella de Vil. Enjoy this jazzy arrangement in FunTime® Piano Disney, for Level 3A and up.
Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” from ChordTime Piano Hits may be the favourite wedding song of our generation. It also happens to be the perfect song to learn four chords that define western popular music: I, vi, IV, and V. These chords surely sound familiar by now—they’re the same four chords we looked at last week. If […]
“I wanna see you be brave!” This chorus from Sara Bareilles’ “Brave” offers words of encouragement for each of us—as piano teachers, students, and performers. How many of us grew up playing only classical piano, while listening to the Beatles, Billy Joel, and Coldplay? Perhaps being brave as a teacher means exploring music with our students, from their world. […]
Sharing a chord progression from your student’s favourite pop song is a sure-fire way to engage and connect. In addition to rocketing your cool status, brain neurons will spark, as your students explore music theory and creativity in ways that complement traditional repertoire. This week we take a look at “Whatever It Takes” by Imagine […]
Do your students like to listen to current pop hits from Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Charlie Puth and others? This month, we invite you to take a “colour tour” through the Hits, featuring top pop artists. Our first lesson with Dr. Faber is a twofer with “No Tears Left to Cry” by Ariana Grande, and […]
What memories shine from childhood piano lessons? Graduating to a higher level? A smile from a gracious teacher on a day your heart felt rainy? Or, how about an ensemble piece that includes a drum part? Such occasions can affirm for the student—”music is for me!” Today we offer an ensemble performance of “Come See the […]
Making O’s not only develops the fingertip at early levels, it can be used at advanced levels to align the arm and knuckle with the finger that plays. Join Dr. Faber for some interesting pointers.
